Taiwo Awoniyi identifies Coventry City’s biggest problem after Hull defeat – ‘Disappointing’

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has identified Coventry City’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as the biggest problem from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Hull City, Soccernet.ng reports.

Coventry enjoyed plenty of possession in their first home Premier League game in 25 years but were unable to turn their dominance into goals as Liam Millar struck eight minutes from time to give Hull all three points.

The result leaves Frank Lampard’s side without a point after their opening two Premier League matches, following their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on the opening weekend.

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Awoniyi started the game and was among Coventry’s biggest threats, coming close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions in the first half.

However, Hull City's goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis produced crucial saves to deny the Nigerian forward, while Coventry were ultimately punished when Millar finished a late counter-attack.

The defeat was frustrating for Coventry because they had controlled large portions of the match, but Awoniyi believes their inability to make their chances count ultimately decided the contest.

Taiwo Awoniyi points to Coventry’s lack of ruthlessness

Coventry’s performance exposed one of the harsh realities of life in the Premier League, as controlling possession and creating opportunities means little if a team cannot put the ball in the back of the net.

“We did quite good in terms of having the ball but unfortunately they had that great counter attack and they took their chance. It is on us to take our chances as well,” Awoniyi told Coventry media.

The Nigerian had three opportunities in the first half, but the attempt off his time came closest to finding the back of the net, but he was denied by Tzolakis, while another effort went wide.

Awoniyi admitted that the Hull goalkeeper played a major role in keeping Coventry out, but insisted his team must still take responsibility for failing to convert their opportunities.

“The chances that we had were the ones that the goalkeeper saved. I wanted to put my foot in and that was one of the clear chances that we had, and I think the keeper was brilliant for them,” he said.

“We just have to take our chances as I said earlier. We didn't take it and they took theirs, it was a disappointing defeat for us.”

The numbers underline Coventry’s frustration. They created enough openings to threaten Hull but ultimately left the game empty-handed, while the visitors needed just one decisive moment to secure victory.

Coventry City need to win

The Super Eagles striker also believes Coventry need to become more effective in the final third and find better ways of getting the ball into dangerous areas.

“As a team, we played better, we had the ball more, but at the end the goal counts and we just have to penetrate the ball more into the boxes, and to create chances more,” he added.

That could prove an important lesson for Coventry as the season develops.

Their opening two league matches have produced defeats against Arsenal and Hull, but the performances have been different. Against Arsenal, Coventry were overwhelmed by the reigning champions, while against Hull they had periods of control and created opportunities without finding the breakthrough.

For a newly promoted side trying to establish itself in the Premier League, missed opportunities can quickly become costly, especially against teams that Coventry are likely to view as direct competitors in the fight for survival.

Hull City already have six points in the bag, and while it's too early to conclude if they'll survive or not, they're putting in the work. Coventry, meanwhile, are without six points and are on -4 goal difference.

Awoniyi keeps focus on Premier League survival

Despite the disappointing start, Awoniyi remains focused on Coventry’s bigger objective.

The Nigeria international joined the club this summer from Nottingham Forest and has already scored his first goal for Lampard’s side, finding the net in their 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.

For the striker, however, personal milestones will mean little if Coventry cannot secure their Premier League status.

“A fantastic and wonderful club. My achievement is for us to be in the league, stay in the league because the Premier League is the most difficult league in the world,” the former Liverpool striker said.

“The goal for every player is to be a Premier League player.”

That ambition will now be tested by a difficult fixture against Manchester City on September 5. Enzo Maresca's side are currently top of the league.